Review: Nintendo's Super Mario 3D World,' A Link Between Worlds' two of this year's best games

Remember, remember the 22nd of November. Right smack in the middle of the PS4 and Xbox One launch madness is when Nintendo launched two of the best games of the year. The struggling Wii U gets a much-needed software boost with the release of “Super Mario 3D World” while the 3DS sees an original Zelda title with “The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.”

Super Mario 3D World

I was a bit skeptical at first when Nintendo revealed this sequel to 3DS’ “Super Mario 3D Land.” Don’t get me wrong, “3D Land” is a must-own game for the handheld, but I was hoping for something along the lines of “Super Mario Galaxy” or the much more open “Super Mario 64.”

After watching gameplay videos, though, my skepticism slowly went away. Then I got my hands on it, and after playing through the first world, I had to keep going.

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“3D World” starts off typically like other Mario games. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad are strolling along joyfully when they notice a clear pipe sticking out of the ground. Out pops the Sprixie Princess begging for help, but then Bowser pops out to capture her in a bottle. Mario and company dive down the pipe and into the Sprixie Kingdom where our heroes travel through dozens of levels across multiple worlds.

Reminiscent of the classic NES title “Super Mario Bros. 2,” players can select between Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad in any level, and each have their unique abilities. While Mario is an all-around type character, Luigi jumps higher but has poor traction, Peach hovers in mid-air but is slow, and Toad is a speedster but can’t jump high.

Messing around with all the characters, I found all four to be acceptable in pretty much every level. This is important since multiplayer is a major focus. Players have the option of selecting their character before the level begins, or it can be randomized in case someone wants to hog a specific one. Players can also hop in during a level as well, so no waiting around until it’s finished.

Unlike “New Super Mario Bros.” where having several on screen at once can become very hectic in a hurry, I didn’t notice that too much in “3D World.” Since it’s on a 3D playing field with more open space to run around in, there’s a lot less bumping into each other to create havoc (on accident anyway). Players are mostly free to run around and get as many points as they can before reaching the flagpole. Sometimes, though, the camera during multiplayer can become disorienting at times.

The game features some of the best level design to date from Nintendo, and the fact it’s in glorious HD makes it even better. Levels have a uniqueness about them that stand out from others. Part of the fun is seeing what comes up next, so I won’t spoil all the details. One level that plays with shadows has superb lighting effects while another is a tribute to Mario Kart that I wanted to play again and again. The new cat power-up will have you climbing up every wall to find secrets. Nabbing cherries to control multiple Marios or others at once leads to some very strategic situations.

The difficulty of “3D World” comes from finding three hidden stars in each level, as well as collecting dozens of stamps to complete your collection. The game can be breezed through in a day tops if one decides to just rush to the end of every level, but that’s no fun. Collecting these stars will test one’s platforming skills -- even some spots in World 1 which is typically the easiest. It’s encouraged to attempt to get them all, too, since they help unlock more levels.

From a console standpoint, the PS4 and Xbox One will get all the attention this holiday season. The Wii U desperately needs software to stay relevant into 2014, and “Super Mario 3D World” is the best game to give the console a chance at turning it around.

4 stars out of 4

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

One of the best Zelda games out there is “A Link to the Past” for the Super Nintendo. “A Link Between Worlds” for the 3DS is a sequel of sorts as it takes place in the same Hyrule overworld where you’ll be jumping between good and evil versions of it. However, Nintendo shook up the familiar formula we’ve seen in past Zelda games, which I found did much more good than harm.

This game is all about exploration and letting players decide how they want to tackle the objectives at hand. Instead of being held back by specific items not yet found, popular tools like the hammer, ice rod, fire rod, hookshot and more are able to be rented out from a kooky character named Ravio, who decides to open up shop inside Link’s house. As you progress, these items can be eventually be purchased. It’s nice having those options near the beginning instead of having to grind it out.

Renting has its risks, though. Fall in battle and you’ll lose all those items. However, it’s not a difficult game. Thanks to all that exploration, I was able to obtain three empty bottles early on to hold health drinks and fairies to revive me if I died.

Instead of managing an inventory, a meter is used for items that automatically replenishes itself over time, essentially giving you unlimited firepower. This will irk some.

What opens up the gameplay even more is the ability to merge Link onto walls like a painting, allowing him to traverse to areas inaccessible from his normal self. When allowed, crossing large gaps can be done with ease by the way of a flat surface. Merging onto houses in the village gives you the opportunity to see behind them, something that’s hard to do with the top-down perspective. Rupees and hearts are drawn on surfaces awaiting to be collected, which is a clever idea. There are limits where you can travel, but there a lot of places and secrets waiting to be discovered.

Dungeons make good use of this mechanic, too, like on moving platforms. You’ll have to be quick to merge onto an obstacle that threatens to push Link to his doom, and at the same time keep an eye on the meter so you don’t run out of magic. Enemies painted on walls will even pop out at you for a surprise attack.

Side content is available if you’re not in the mood to save the world just yet. A Cucco dodging mini-game is a fun way to collect more rupees, as is a treasure-picking game if you really love gambling. A pink octopus desperately wants you to collect her babies spread out across the land for rewarding results.

Moving Link around the world is smooth with the circle pad, and selecting items is a snap with the touchscreen. Pins can be placed on the map to remember points of interest, and the game thankfully lets you know how many octopus children are left to find in different areas.

I adored the music so much since it brought back childhood memories of “A Link to the Past.” Overall, the visuals are nice. Sometimes the 3D models in cutscenes look awkward, but they’re just fine during gameplay. The story is interesting with a nice cast of characters in both Hyrule and the darker version called Lorule (get it?).

Fans of Zelda, especially “A Link to the Past,” will definitely enjoy what “A Link Between Worlds” has to offer. It’s a fantastic trip down memory lane that should hold up for years to come.

3 1/2 stars out of 4

Downloadable codes for “Super Mario 3D World” and “The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” were supplied by the publisher for this review.